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Prevention of postnatal growth restriction by the implementation of an evidence-based premature infant feeding bundle
P D Graziano1, K A Tauber2, J Cummings2
1Nursing (Neonatology), Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA.
Insights
A new feeding bundle for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants significantly reduced post-natal growth restriction (PNGR) and improved head growth. This evidence-based approach enhanced infant outcomes safely and effectively.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Pediatric Growth Monitoring
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Post-natal growth restriction (PNGR) is a significant concern in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- Optimizing feeding strategies is crucial for improving growth trajectories and long-term outcomes in VLBW neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement an evidence-based feeding bundle to reduce PNGR in VLBW infants.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the feeding bundle on infant growth and feeding milestones.
Main Methods:
- A standardized feeding bundle was developed and implemented in January 2010.
- Infant outcomes, including days to first feed (FD), days to reach full feeds (FF), and growth trajectories (delta z-score) for weight and head circumference (HC), were monitored for 3 years.
- Data from 482 VLBW infants (119 pre-bundle) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The incidence of PNGR decreased significantly from 35% to 19% (P<0.01) post-implementation.
- Weight delta z-score improved from -0.82 to -0.45 (P<0.001), and HC delta z-score improved from -0.65 to -0.17 (P<0.001).
- Significant reductions in FD and FF were observed, with downward trends in necrotizing enterocolitis and markers of cholestasis.
Conclusions:
- The evidence-based feeding bundle is a safe and effective intervention for reducing PNGR in VLBW infants.
- Implementation of the bundle led to improved head growth and overall growth trajectories in this vulnerable population.
- Standardized feeding protocols can positively impact key neonatal outcomes.
Objective:
To develop an evidence-based feeding bundle to safely decrease the rate of PNGR in VLBW infants.
Study Design:
The bundle was developed and implemented in January 2010, followed by 3 years of monitoring bundle compliance and infant outcomes (days to first feed (FD), days to reach full feeds (FF), and birth-discharge growth trajectories (delta z-score)).
Results:
Data were collected on 482 infants (119 pre-bundle). PNGR decreased from 35% to 19% (P<0.01) and weight delta z-score improved from -0.82 to -0.45 (P<0.001). Percentage of infants with head circumference (HC) below 10th percentile at discharge decreased from 21% to 9% (P<0.01) and HC delta z-score improved from -0.65 to -0.17 (P<0.001). FD and FF also decreased significantly. Rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, peak alkaline phosphatase and peak direct bilirubin levels all trended downward.
Conclusions:
An evidence-based, standardized feeding bundle was safe and effective in reducing the rate of PNGR and in improving head growth in VLBW infants.
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